ESAs ScyLight Programme: activities and status of the high throughput optical network "HydRON"

Abstract

ESA's Telecommunications and Integrated Applications Directorate (TIA) runs a dedicated programmatic framework to Optical Communication Technologies, called ARTES ScyLight (SeCure and Laser communication Technology, pronounced skylight). ScyLight supports the development and deployment of innovative optical technologies for satellite communication as well as assisting industry to develop new market opportunities for optical communication technologies. The ScyLight programme focuses the efforts of European and Canadian industry on optical communication technologies in the following areas: •Optical Communication Technology at System Level •Optical Communication Terminal Technology •Intra-Satellite Photonics/Optical Payloads •Quantum Cryptography Technologies in Space and initial services demonstration The paper will give an overview of the programme status and an outlook on its evolution. The paper will inform about the status of a new proposed ESA project on optical communications called “High thRoughput Optical Network” (HydRON), which aims to demonstrate European and Canadian capabilities in all fields of optical communications and with the seamless integration into terrestrial network structures, via a dedicated mission.